- (a) Background assumed zero. DEQ will assume zero background levels for direct discharges of once through cooling water.
- (b) Hardness or pH dependent criteria. Where a criterion for a pollutant is hardness or pH-dependent, DEQ will add hardness or pH monitoring, as appropriate, to the background monitoring requirements.
- (c) Representative of low flow conditions in streams. The permittee shall collect background samples as close to low flow conditions as possible in streams.
- (d) Background data from a previous permit. DEQ will not use background data referenced in the previous permit unless the data is defensible analytical data.
- (e) Background monitoring. Where toxicity-based effluent limitations for a substance are established in a permit and a complete background data set meeting the requirements of OAC 252:606-6-11 is not available, background monitoring of the limited substance is required. This requirement does not apply where the background shall be considered equal to zero in accordance with OAC 252:606-6-14(a), where Q* ≥ 0.333, or where the 7Q2 of the receiving stream is assumed to be 1 cfs.
Added at 41 Ok Reg, Number 23, effective 9-15-24